Paulo Da Silva has been sworn in as the new chief of York Regional Police, pledging to uphold integrity as the cornerstone of his leadership. Da Silva, who began his policing career in 1993 and joined York police in 1997, is now in his 32nd year of service.
During the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, June 29, 2026, attended by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Da Silva stated: "There is one word I will return to again and again throughout my tenure: Integrity. It is a daily choice to do the right thing, the hard thing, even when it costs you, especially when no one is watching. In policing, integrity is everything. When we act with integrity consistently, visibly, courageously, we earn something that cannot be mandated or manufactured: The confidence of the people we serve. I will always hold that standard and I will always expect it of this organization."
From Deputy Chief to Chief
Da Silva has built a reputation for community-focused policing, innovation, and professional development. He has been recognized for fostering inclusive workplaces, building high-performing teams, and strengthening partnerships. In his most recent role as deputy chief, he led York Regional Police's community safety branch, overseeing frontline policing operations across all five districts and three sub-stations throughout the region.
Key Initiatives and Innovations
Da Silva has played a key role in advancing policing innovation. He was a leader in the implementation and expansion of the CCTV Community Camera Program and automated licence plate recognition technology. He also spearheaded the Community Safety Data Portal, the P25 Voice Radio System Initiative, and the Connected Officer Program, which provided every frontline member with a smartphone.
His leadership in these initiatives reflects a commitment to leveraging technology to enhance public safety and community trust.
